Staff members from the Burgwin-Wright House accept a check for $2,000 from ROW board members to construct a fence around the existing air conditioning unit near the house. The fence will be architecturally appropriate for the house.

The January Member Meeting was held at Rolled and Baked, a new biscuit eatery on Castle St. Nearly 80 members attended and listened to the guest speakers from the Wilmington Police Department, led by Chief Evangelous. They spoke about the reduction in downtown crime and the problems related to homeless persons.

A surprise gift from the estate of former member June Huff was given to ROW. Long-time member Muriel Pearson presented a check for $5,000 to Mayor Phoebe Bragg in memory of June.

Over 100 members had a wonderful time celebrating the Holiday Party at the Hannah Block Center. Members mingled with each other before President Phoebe Bragg and Board Member Joe Pawlik paid a special tribute to long-time member and former President, Tom Mitchell. After a meal of the delicious food, members were treated to a special rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas, led by Ann Erb. Music was provided by the talented duo of Barry and Sylvia, prompting many members to dance the night away. The consensus was that it was the best ROW party ever! More pictures are on the Members Only Page.

The annual ROW Membership Party was held October 10 at the Bellamy Mansion. Over a hundred members attended the ROW party, despite the threat of a tropical storm. The party was chaired by ROW Board Member Darla Hamby, who enlisted the help of Chris Robinson, standing beside Darla in the photo above. On the right are member helpers Pam Gonzales and Pat Tarr.

Residents in the Historic District will be impacted by decisions made by the City, County and State in the coming weeks, months and years that affect the quality of life downtown. These issues are monitored closely by ROW as explained below.

I. The City Council has approved regulations for both Home Stay and Whole House Short Term rentals in residential areas of Historic Districts that will become effective March 1, 2019:

Owners must register each year and provide proof of property ownership.

The owner must buy $500,000 of commercial liability insurance.

The owner must keep records of all rentals and pay the City Occupancy Tax.

Information about the property and the police non-emergency phone number must be posted in the house.

Whole House STRs must be 400 feet from another Whole House STR or a B&B. A lottery will be used to determine which STRs will remain where conflicts exist.

A designated phone number will be distributed to report complaints to the code authorities and complaints will be recorded.

The City estimates that approximately 700 STRs (both Whole House and Home Stays) are operating within Wilmington. If you want to voice your concerns about protecting the Residential Districts, email the City Council at: Council@wilmington.gov

II. The Grace Street Project involves the block that includes the library and is owned by New Hanover County. The County Commissioners are reviewing proposals for a public-private redevelopment of the block that could affect the library, the recently-built Story Book Park, a parking garage, the Register of Deeds building and an empty parcel bordering Grace Street. Moving the Cape Fear Museum to the site is a possibility. Public hearings will be held Feb. 19 at the Cape Fear Museum, 5:30-7:30 and Feb. 21 at the Library, 5:30-7:30.

III. The Cape Fear Crossing Projectwill determine the location of a new bridge between Brunswick and New Hanover Counties. The two routes that would impact the Downtown Historic District have been eliminated.Six routes south of the current Cape Fear Bridge, closer to the Port area, are under consideration. The Wilmington Urban Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) held a public hearing at the Leland Town Hall on Feb. 7 where Leland residents expressed opposition to a any plan that includes a new road to go through Brunswick Forest. They advocated a more southern route. DOT estimates bridge construction will take five years.

IV. The City has reviewed its brick street policy to determine steps for improving the existing brick streets since many have been covered with asphalt.Repairs and restoration are underway on S. 4th Street between Market and Dock Streets; on Queen Street between S. 2nd and S. 7th Streets; and on S. 7th Street between Queen and Mears.